Chris Christie on Drugs

Drug treatment rather than non-violent offenders in prison

Let us reclaim the lives of those drug offenders who have not committed a violent crime, by investing in drug treatment--in an in-house, secure facility--rather than putting them in prison.

Treating non-violent drug offenders is 2/3 less expensive than
housing them in prison. And more importantly--as long as they have not violently victimized society--everyone deserves a second chance, because no life is disposable.

I am not satisfied to have this as merely a pilot project; I call for a transformatio
of the way we deal with drug abuse and incarceration. So today I ask this Legislature to join me in this commitment that no life is disposable.

I propose mandatory treatment for every non-violent offender with a drug abuse problem, not just a select
few. It will send a clear message to those who have fallen victim to the disease of drug abuse--we want to help you, not throw you away. We will require you to get treatment. Your life has value. Every one of God's creations can be redeemed.

Outlaw designer drugs labeled as "bath salts"

Gov. Christie yesterday signed SCS-2829, criminalizing the manufacturing, sales, & possession of designer drugs labeled as "bath salts" in New Jersey. The bill, known as "Pamela's Law," was named in memory of a student murdered by an individual under the
influence of "bath salts."

Gov. Christie noted, "By signing Pamela's Law, we are continuing to address the real world impact of these so-called 'bath salt' designer drugs. These chemicals have no valid medical use and can only cause life-threatening
harm to those who ingest them."

These designer drugs, labeled as "bath salts," have been associated with intense, severe side effects that have led to suicidal thoughts and violent outbursts. They are frequently marketed as cocaine substitutes and
recently had been available for purchase on the internet and in retail establishments such as smoke shops. Unlike other legitimate substances that are misused to produce a high, like glue or gasoline, these "bath salts" have no other legitimate purpose.